Trying to add some flair to your Google Slides on the iPad? Yeah, it’s kind of weird, but you can do it — though not as straightforward as on a desktop. If you’re like me, you’ve probably tried tapping around and wondering why nothing happens, or why the animation option just isn’t there. So, here’s the rundown to hopefully save some frustration: it’s all about navigating the app’s limited tools and knowing where to look. Once everything clicks, you’ll be able to make your slides a lot more engaging, but fair warning — it’s a bit of a workaround sometimes.
How to Animate on Google Slides on iPad
This part’s about getting animations working on your iPad, which, honestly, isn’t super obvious because the mobile version is a bit clunky for that kind of stuff. You want your slides to pop, fade, fly in — all that jazz — but the tricky part is that the mobile app doesn’t give you a full suite of animation controls like the desktop. Still, if you follow these steps, you can get decent results. The key is knowing where the options are tucked away and being prepared for some trial-and-error. Trust me, it’s not always consistent — sometimes it works on one iPad, other times not so much — because of course, iPads and apps like Google Slides can be flaky.
Choose the Right Preparation: Make Sure You Have the App & Updated
- You’ll want the latest version of Google Slides from the App Store — older versions can be limited or buggy.
- Have your presentation ready, including the slide and object you want to animate.
- Optional but helpful: connect a Bluetooth keyboard. Sometimes tapping is pretty tricky with finger gestures when selecting tiny objects.
Method 1: Using the iPad App (Limited but Sometimes Doable)
This approach is the main route — but don’t expect the same rich animation options you get on desktop. Transparency alert: the mobile app doesn’t really have a full ‘Animate’ panel like desktop browsers do. Usually, on the desktop, you’d do Insert > Animation, but on mobile, that’s not always available. Still, there’s a workaround:
- Open your presentation in the Google Slides app.
- Select the slide and tap the object you want to animate — like text box or image.
- Tap the three dots (…) at the top right. Sometimes, in recent updates, the menu is limited, and animation options are missing. This is where it gets frustrating.
- If the ‘Animate’ option shows up, great! Tap it, then choose from the available animation types — like ‘Fade In, ‘ ‘Fly In, ‘ etc.
- Adjust timing or order if available, but often, options are sparse.
If you don’t see ‘Animate’ inside the menu — and on some iPads it’s totally missing — you might have to pivot to the web version in Safari, switching to desktop mode. Because, sometimes, the mobile app just *refuses* to show the animation controls, no matter what.
Method 2: Using Desktop Mode in Safari
This is kind of a hack, but it works better if you’re serious about animations. Because in the regular mobile view, Google Slides just doesn’t give you that control. You might’ve noticed that switching to the desktop view in Safari makes Google Slides behave more like the desktop app — including the menu options for animations. Here’s what you do:
- Open Safari on your iPad.
- Go to Google Slides.
- Tap the AA icon in the address bar, then select Request Desktop Website.
- Navigate to your presentation, then follow the usual desktop steps: select the slide, tap on an object, go to Insert > Animation.
- You should now see the full animation panel! From there, select your animation style and set timing — just like on a computer.
On a lot of setups, this appears to be the most reliable way to get animation controls that the mobile app just doesn’t offer. Not sure why Google disables this on mobile, but it’s a thing.
Tips for Animating on Google Slides on iPad
- Check your app version: Outdated app = limited options. Keep it updated.
- Use the desktop mode in Safari: Most reliable for full animations.
- Preview your animations: Sometimes they look good in edit mode but weird during presentation — so hit ‘Present’ early and often.
- Keep it simple: With mobile, the more complex, the more crashes or bugs. Less is more.
- Be patient: Especially if you’re trying to combine multiple animations or fine-tune timing — not always smooth on iPad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add multiple animations to a single object?
Usually, no. The mobile app is pretty basic on this front. If you really need that feature, switching to desktop mode (via Safari) is the way to go.
Can I customize animation timing freely?
Sometimes, yes. If it’s available in the desktop version. On mobile, you’re stuck with whatever preset options Google gives you—and they’re limited.
Are there other tricks to get animations working better?
Getting it done through desktop mode in Safari is the biggest hack. Also, clearing cache or reinstalling the app might help if things are acting odd.
Will animations work offline?
For the animations to be visible during your presentation, you generally need an internet connection to set them up. But once they’re embedded, they should play offline just fine.
Summary
- Make sure your Google Slides app is up to date.
- If animation controls are missing, try switching to desktop mode in Safari.
- Tap the object, then look for the ‘Animate’ option — if it’s there, great.
- If not, use the desktop version for full animation features.
- Preview often — what works on paper might not work so hot during presentation.
Wrap-up
Honestly, adding animations in Google Slides on an iPad feels a bit like fighting with an unreliable partner. Sometimes it allows you to animate, other times it just refuses. Using Safari’s desktop mode seems to be the most consistent workaround. Expect some trial and error, especially with more advanced animations. Once you get the hang of it though, your slides will look a lot more professional and lively. Fingers crossed this helps someone save some time or avoid tearing their hair out.